Photos

Photo of the Week: Buddhist Monks Making Art

In May of every year, Seoul hosts the Lotus Lantern Festival that celebrates Buddhism and coincides with the weekend prior to Buddha’s birthday. There is a fantastic parade and a festival through downtown Seoul.

One of the highlights of the festival is seeing Buddhist monks who have come from nearly every Asian country. Dressed in a variety of colored robes, these monks are keen to show off their individual talents. While some monks perform martial arts, I am always drawn more to the monks showing off their ability at sand art.

The intricacy is simply amazing. Each grain of sand is placed one by one using chopstick-like instruments. The beauty and detail of the images they produce is simply astounding.

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One Comment

Having been to the Lantern Festival, I can say the work of the monks is truly fascinating and beautiful. As your picture shows this is extremely intricate work requiring the ultimate in patience to accomplish. I highly recommend this festival, not only for the sand art, but for the many colorful aspects of the festival including the extraordinary nighttime parade.